Presentation
Located in Saint-Aubin, the family's birthplace, Domaine Larue spans 17 hectares and covers four prestigious villages: Saint-Aubin, Chassagne-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet, and Aloxe-Corton. Managed by Denis and Didier Larue, accompanied by their sons Bruno and Vivien, this family estate combines tradition and modernity. The new generations bring a renewed vision of viticultural practices while remaining faithful to the values passed down for several decades. The meticulous work in the vineyards, combining reasoned cultivation and respect for the terroir, allows for the production of wines of great finesse and pure expression. Vinification is precise and low-intervention, with carefully controlled barrel aging. The estate's wines stand out for their balance, aromatic intensity, and aging potential, perfectly illustrating the nobility of the Côte de Beaune terroirs. The harmonious association between ancestral know-how and innovation ensures the wines of the estate a unique signature, marked by elegance and aromatic depth.
Location
The AOP Saint-Aubin Premier Cru appellation includes several prestigious “climats” in the area, among which the Domaine Larue cultivates Les Combes and Les Murgers des Dents de Chien.
Terroir
The Domaine Larue vineyard lies on the southern and southeastern slopes of Saint-Aubin, bordering the renowned Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet appellations. The vines are planted on clay-limestone soils with an underlying bedrock close to the surface, lending the wine its distinctive minerality and freshness. The predominantly southern exposure and the average altitude of 340 meters encourage a slow, balanced ripening of the grapes. The estate practices sustainable viticulture, emphasizing soil health and biodiversity preservation.
In the vineyard
The vines are trained in single Guyot and carefully de-budded in spring. The soil is mechanically worked throughout the year (hilling, de-hilling, hoeing). During the summer, disease control is carried out using sustainable and reasoned methods, minimizing chemical intervention.
Harvest
The harvest is done by hand to preserve the integrity and quality of the grape clusters.
Winemaking
The grapes undergo a gentle pressing, followed by fermentation in traditional Burgundy oak barrels.
Ageing
The wine is aged on fine lees for several months, with light bâtonnage (lees stirring) to bring roundness and complexity. Depending on the cuvée, 20 to 30% new oak is used, ensuring that the wood does not overpower the expression of the terroir. Bottling takes place after fining and a light filtration, preserving the wine’s aromatic purity.
Varietal
Chardonnay : 100%
Specifications
Age of vines : 35 years old
Serving
It is recommended to serve this wine between 11 and 13°C (52–55°F), with a brief decanting during its early years to allow full aromatic expression.
Ageing potential
5 to 10 years
Tasting
The wine displays a bright pale yellow color with green reflections. The nose opens with aromas of white flowers, citrus fruits, white-fleshed fruits, and fresh hazelnut, enhanced by delicate mineral nuances. On the palate, the attack is lively and elegant; it then develops a broad and generous texture, supported by fine acidity and chalky minerality. The finish is long and saline, evoking flint and green apple. This is a precise, tense, and refined wine, fully expressing the pure and balanced style of Domaine Larue.
Food pairings
This Saint-Aubin Premier Cru Blanc 2021 pairs beautifully with fine fish (sea bass, sole, turbot), seafood, or creamy poultry dishes, as well as aged cheeses such as Comté or Beaufort. Its freshness and structure also make it an excellent companion for mushroom risotto or scallops.